It would seem that the marketing potential of social media sites is a fairly open book. I came across a social networking site called Talent Database that seems to exist for the benefit of freelancers or business owners.
The site directs new members to fine-tune their particular talent (skill) and then allow the category they select to help bring prospective fans and customers to you when they need your particular skills.
The networking side of this social media site is geared toward recruitment of your own mini-network. In essence by inviting other people with similar skills to join the site you can cross promote the talents of members you know.
Unlike many similar sites you are not asked to post general thoughts or feelings, but instead are asked to provide a testimonial as to the abilities of the member. This may seem like a mutual admiration society in the making, but when one member succeeds there are still numerous links to other members who may have similar skills.
A specific site-based algorithm helps determine your site popularity. Interestingly this is determined not simply by the number of site visitations, but also by the numbers of testimonials and those who have bookmarked your page.
This site also encourages links to any other sites you may have. In many ways it is a clearinghouse for information related to dozens of skills. In turn this information is used to allow targeted marketing while also allowing peer-to-peer networking.
The website likens itself to something more in line with global yellow pages. This is a fair comparison with the added bonus of quick connection, samples of existing work and other portfolio perusal options.
In more creative endeavors there are fee-based sites that are used by individuals to get their name out to the public for the purpose of being hired to do work. In the case of Talent Database listings are free and the customer contacts you directly without a broker who may retain some of your potential earnings.
While I have absolutely no stake in this website I can see a dynamic that shifts the need for other fee-based sites to a model similar to this one that allows a much more diverse cross-section of talent to participate without a middleman.
With the algorithm in place it is the best performing members who will be ranked highest while giving everyone the opportunity to improve or maintain a high degree of growth.
Where many social media sites allow you to connect with people with similar interests this site allows you to produce a web presence that is intended to welcome those interested in what you can do.
If you are looking for an illustrator or a voice over artist you can simply type the term in the search engine and find what you are looking for. Then you can look at portfolios until you find someone that seems most closely aligned with your need.
Yes, social media is an important platform for marketing and more than one company is working to make marketing a key component in the design of their networking site.
Related Articles
Social Media - A Family Connection
By: Scott Lindsay | 19/10/2007 | Internet
Social media is a perfect vehicle for connections between family and friends. While it has many marketing opportunities there is a more personal side to social media worth exploring.
For instance, families used to connect only through the occasional letter that may be passed around from one family member to another...
Social Media - Welcome To Reality Online
By: Scott Lindsay | 07/06/2007 | Internet
The use of social media encompasses a broad range of online media types. While some might only think of a social network like MySpace there are actually several social media formats that contain significant marketing potential for online business.
While others may think you are simply enjoying the multiple aspects of...
Social Bookmarking And The Hub Of Business
By: Scott Lindsay | 04/02/2008 | Internet
The act of social bookmarking is becoming something more than a potential tool for online marketing.
Many entrepreneurs are finding social media sites to place business information in an informal setting.
Once you finish developing your social media site the marketing potential is just beginning. Obviously you hold out hope that visitors...
Social Media - The Friendship Advantage
By: Scott Lindsay | 13/06/2007 | Internet
If you've ever heard of Inspector Gadget then you know this detective had access to several personal devices to assist him in unraveling mysteries and determining who the bad guy was. Beyond the cartoon a couple of live action movies were developed in response to this larger than life comic...
Social Media Provides Ultimate Connection
By: Scott Lindsay | 16/07/2008 | Internet
One of the interesting dynamics that make social media a potential boon to marketing is that many social networks are connecting across multiple sites.
I recently came across a social media site that used a spidering technique to find you (and your friends) at other social media sites and help you...
Social Media - Bring Your Skates
By: Scott Lindsay | 04/10/2007 | Internet
The owners of the social media site, ShoutLife, are all in their twenties. They have sought to create a fun environment for their thousands of guests. Connections are made and marketing takes place as members enjoy getting to know more and more 'friends'.
If you stick around long enough you are...
Using Social Media Responsibly
By: Scott Lindsay | 01/12/2007 | Internet
Social media websites remain an interesting mechanism for mining marketing potential if for no other reasons than social media is so, well, social.
I came across an ezine recently that encouraged visitors to visit a celebrity social media site for an interview that was particularly compelling. Prior to posting the ezine...
Social Media And Parental Guidance
By: Scott Lindsay | 21/12/2007 | Internet
Social media has significant potential for marketing, but it can also be used as a means of keeping tabs on your extended family members.
Today families are linking together in social media for the purpose of keeping in touch with a cyber focal point. The results are an unusual bit of...
Latest Internet Articles
Using Autoresponder Software For Follow-Up Success
By: Neil R Morgan | 20/08/2008
It's well known that only a tiny percentage of your web site visitors will buy from you on their first (and possibly only) visit to your web site. The vast majority of your prospects simply forget about you and your web site and never return.
Can you imagine just how much...
Marketing Any Business on MySpace
By: Sean Dell | 20/08/2008
MySpace is now, and has been for some time, the hottest trend when it comes to social networking endeavors online for businesses. This international website plays host to millions of individuals! With that many people accessing the website, it only makes sense to take advantage of accessing those people. Best...
Why MySpace is Great For Your Business
By: Sean Dell | 20/08/2008
Are you one of the many businesses that have yet to discover the power of MySpace? If so, you could be missing on a an exciting opportunity to get your business noticed. Yes, MySpace is thought of us a "friend" type of network, however, it is also great for business...
Tips On Building Online Traffic
By: Larry Mccullough | 20/08/2008
Okay so you have a brilliant web site. You are a treasure house in the field of your expertise. You have placed your knowledge in your website. You have a great product and now you want to utilize the web media to advertise and launch it. Unfortunately though, after you...
Good Web Design Considerations
By: Paul J Egan | 20/08/2008
Your business is represented to the world online through your website. It's a brochure that any potential customer, anywhere and at any time can view and decide whether your company is the right one for them. Therefore it is of the upmost importance that your web site practices good web...
Internet Marketing vs Yellow Pages!!!
By: David Clarke | 20/08/2008
Internet marketing should be your first priority when looking to create a strategy for marketing your business as opposed to a large spend in the Yellow Pages. Have a look at the facts and statistics about Yellow Pages directory before you shy away from investing in search and paid marketing...
There's Much You Can Learn From Competing Ebay Auctions
By: Clint Herman | 20/08/2008
Learn what to look for in your competitor's auctions to help improve your own.
Top Article Directories Article Marketers Should Focus on First
By: Cory Threlfall | 20/08/2008
With article marketing being one of the most popular and leveragable online marketing practices today one often asks themselves how they can maximize there articles exposure once written and ready for publishing.
More from Scott Lindsay
Web Branding Does Not Need Perfection
By: Scott Lindsay | 18/08/2008 | Online Promotion
Since we all realize life is messy, why does our business websites have to be? I'm not suggesting sloppiness or unprofessional attitudes, simply that it is acceptable to show your humanity through your website.
Failure Can Be A Stepping Stone
By: Scott Lindsay | 18/08/2008 | Home Business
The role of failure has typically been the 'great debilitator' when it comes to moneymaking success. The assumption generally is that the business owner was simply outclassed and out of their league when it came to business and would be better served working for someone else. This may be a lie.
Internet and Business Online Providing a Global Connection
By: Scott Lindsay | 15/08/2008 | Internet
There is an interesting paradigm shift that is happening in the way people respond to life in our world. A paradigm shift is a change in the way people look at things.
In our distant past people were tied to a patch of land where they raised crops or livestock. They...
Forum Police and the Owners Who Love Them
By: Scott Lindsay | 15/08/2008 | Internet
A healthy online forum can be a great way to channel the interests of others into a revenue stream as part of your online business.
It seems that no matter where you go online you can find a forum that matches a personal interest or passion. Within that forum you will...
Build An Ebook Portal
By: Scott Lindsay | 11/08/2008 | Home Business
Did you know that you could resell ebooks that others have published? Did you know that you could often sell the work for less than the original author? Did you know you don't have to know how to write to start an ebook business?
Do You Have The Discipline To Make Money?
By: Scott Lindsay | 11/08/2008 | Finance
Many people want to know more about a multitude of subjects, but they don't have the patience and/or discipline to glean that information from multiple sources. You can take your disciplined approach to business and help others make sense of following a similar path to success.
Internet and Business Online - Hype Reduction
By: Scott Lindsay | 08/08/2008 | Internet
Maybe it's just me, but many online business sites seem to have followed lead of professional wrestling. Everything is bigger, more important and beyond amazing. The hype is huge and the bulletins that read, "This offer is only available though midnight tonight" can either provide a surge of adrenaline or...
The Pioneer Spirit Lives On In Home Based Business
By: Scott Lindsay | 05/08/2008 | Home Business
The link between the pioneer spirit and the visionary quality of a home-based business owner is undeniable. Discover why the very thing that caused men and women to venture west in the 1800's is the very thing that is inspiring a new breed of home-based business owners.
Internet 
